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Cyclin-dependent kinases and cell-cycle transitions: does one fit all?

Helfrid Hochegger1, Shunichi Takeda, Tim Hunt

  • 1Helfrid Hochegger is at the Genome Damage and Stability Centre, University of Sussex, Falmer Brighton, BN1 9RQ, UK.

Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology
|September 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Cell-cycle control in eukaryotes involves cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins. New research with gene-targeted mice reveals overlapping functions, revising the model of cell-cycle regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cell-cycle transitions are governed by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and cyclins.
  • A previous model proposed specific CDK-cyclin pairs regulate distinct cell-cycle phases.
  • Dominant-negative mutations of CDK1 and CDK2 supported this model.

Approach:

  • Utilized gene-targeted mice to investigate CDK and cyclin functions.
  • Analyzed cell-cycle progression in genetically modified organisms.
  • Examined the roles of different CDK and cyclin families in eukaryotes.

Key Points:

  • Gene-targeted mouse studies challenge the strict specificity of CDK-cyclin roles.
  • Overlapping and essential functions of various CDKs and cyclins are now recognized.
  • The established model of cell-cycle control requires revision.

Conclusions:

  • CDK and cyclin functions in cell-cycle regulation are more complex than previously thought.
  • Essential roles of specific CDKs and cyclins are highlighted by recent findings.
  • A revised model incorporating overlapping functions is necessary for accurate cell-cycle understanding.

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